Prominent strategic advisor and executive coach Peju Adebajo joined a distinguished lineup of global leaders and governance experts at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Annual Board Conference, an influential gathering focused on how influence, culture, and behavior shape effective corporate governance.
Describing the event as “standing room only,” Adebajo praised the forum for fostering deep dialogue among current and future nominee directors. She extended gratitude to hosts Justin Robertson and Dirk Werner for creating “a rich exchange of ideas” among participants.
The conference featured an exceptional lineup of thought leaders, each offering a unique perspective on leadership and board effectiveness:
- Tina Fordham underscored that the world many long to “return to normal” no longer exists, noting that the old paradigm effectively ended before the 2008 financial crisis.
- Patrick Dunne and Rebecca Robins CMgr CCMI explored how boardroom dynamics influence strategic outcomes and performance.
- Eleftheria Kontogianni, Evangelos Mytilineos, and Tina Mavraki CFA shared lessons from Metlen Energy & Metals’ evolution—from a family-founded business to a publicly listed company on the London Stock Exchange.
- Louise Gatenby, Emma Woods, Alastair Paton, and Peju Adebajo reflected on the often-overlooked potential of board succession as a strategic tool for reshaping direction, diversity, and capability.
With EBRD maintaining board seats across more than 90 investee companies, the event concluded with insights from EBRD President Odile Bocande-Koffi Renaud-Basso, who offered closing reflections on the organization’s governance priorities and global outlook.
Adebajo also recognized the EBRD team, including Tamás Nagy, Oumnia Benaddi, Anne Fossemalle, Ekaterina Erichsen, Dr. Toby Velte, Bayan Carter (2024 Award Winner), and Laurence Glynn (2025 Award Winner), for their contributions to the event’s success.
Reflecting on the experience, Adebajo said the highlights extended beyond the conference hall:
“What I’ll remember most are the quality of the discussions, the panoramic views across London, and standing beside the original bricks of the Berlin Wall — a striking reminder of how history and leadership are intertwined.”
The EBRD Annual Board Conference continues to serve as a premier platform for advancing board effectiveness, leadership culture, and governance excellence across Europe, Asia, and beyond.
